|
Dear AAP-CA1 members, please join us in expressing our gratitude to our outgoing Area Directors, whose enthusiasm and dedication have guided and supported AAP California Chapter 1 and our members for the past two years. Their contributions to educational chapter chats, strategic planning, creating new chapter events, leading child health advocacy efforts, and more has meant so much to all of us, and we simply can't thank them enough.
At the same time, we're delighted to welcome our new Area Directors, stepping into 7 of our 11 regions across the chapter. Their expertise and commitment to child health will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts and deepen the support we provide to families and communities throughout Northern and Southern California. Please join us in warmly welcoming our new Area Directors as they begin this exciting new chapter together!
We are also seeking four more Area Directors to serve the following regions:
-
Region 1: North Valley Counties includes Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity and Yuba
-
Region 3: Central Valley Counties includes Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne
-
Region 5: San Francisco includes Daly City
-
Region 9: Monterey Bay Area includes Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz
If you or someone you know is interested, here’s the role description and the application form, or contact us at info@aapca1.org for more information.
| |
Yolanda Ruiz, BS
Excutive Director, AAP-CA1
| | A Name Change That Should Change Pediatric Practice: PCOS is Now PMOS | |
In May 2026, The Lancet published a landmark global consensus document announcing that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). For pediatricians across California, this is not a distant endocrinology story. It is a call to action at the well-child visit.
PMOS affects one in eight women globally, totaling more than 170 million individuals during reproductive years alone. Yet up to 70% remain undiagnosed, with delays rooted in part in the misleading nature of the old name. The term "polycystic ovary" implied pathological cysts that are not actually a feature of the condition, while obscuring its defining characteristics: insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and interconnected metabolic and endocrine dysfunction. The new name, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, was selected through an unprecedented, rigorous, multistep global consensus process involving 14,360 survey respondents and multidisciplinary stakeholders from all world regions, prioritizing scientific accuracy, stigma avoidance, and clinical clarity...continue reading...
| |
Dr. V. Sushma Chamarthi
Chair, Obesity Prevention Committee, AAP-CA1
| Strengthen Your Breastfeeding Knowledge with AAP Breastfeeding Resources | |
August is celebrated in the US annually as National Breastfeeding Month, while the first week of August is celebrated internationally as World Breastfeeding Week. As pediatricians, we all recognize the benefits of breast milk as a baby’s first food. However, many pediatricians receive limited formal training in how to directly support breastfeeding families in clinical practice.
Did you know that the AAP offers a Breastfeeding Curriculum through PediaLink, free of additional CME charges? Although the curriculum was initially designed to help residents in any specialty develop confidence and skills in breastfeeding care, it’s a great resource for Pediatricians currently in practice to refresh and further their medical knowledge, patient care, interpersonal communication skills, and system-based practice in support of breastfeeding families.
From the moment of birth through the first year of life and beyond, Pediatricians play a key role in breastfeeding success. Many families have the intention to breastfeed their newborns, but after leaving the hospital, challenges with latch, delayed lactogenesis II or an inefficient suck may lead parents to lean towards formula introduction. The “Patient Care” section of the AAP Breastfeeding Curriculum helps providers identify early breast milk feeding difficulties to provide both office-based support and coordinate care with lactation specialists or parental obstetric providers to prevent unnecessary breastfeeding cessation. For pediatric providers who are interested in learning more about the anatomy and physiology of the brest...continue reading...
| |
Lindsay Frost, MD, MPH, FAAP, IBCLC, NABBLM-C
Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator, Section on Breastfeeding, AAP-CA1
| | |
Pediatric Practice Support Office Hours
Aug. 25 & Nov. 3 | 6 - 7 p.m | Virtual
Join fellow local pediatricians for informal peer-to-peer sessions designed to strengthen your practice and your community. Organized by our Practice Support Committee, these gatherings are a space to share best practices, tackle shared challenges, and stay informed on local, regional, and national issues shaping pediatric care. No agenda, no pressure, just collegial conversation with the people who understand your work best.
Additional Practice Support Office Hours:
11/3/26 from 6 p.m - 7 p.m - register here
| | |
Advocating for Children (ACT) Conference
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 8 - 5 p.m | Kaiser Permanente Medical Center | 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Join us for a one-day CME-eligible conference designed to build a community of pediatric providers who are engaged and equipped to influence child health policy. Participants will experience dynamic, TED-style talks on timely advocacy topics, engage in mentorship sessions, and take part in interactive workshops focused on media training, writing for advocacy, AI, strengthening community advocacy skills, and more!
Registration prices:
Chapter Members $100
Non-Chapter member $150
Trainees $35
| | |
Apply for the Care & Connect Microgrants for up to $2,000!
AAPCA1 is excited to offer its members the opportunity to apply for a chapter microgrant. The Care & Connect Microgrant Project offers microgrants valued at up to $2,000 (no amount is too small) which can be utilized in one of two impactful ways. The first option supports innovative community-based child health initiatives. The second option is to host member gatherings and meetings within your local area. Along with the grant, you will have the full support of our AAPCA1 staff to carry out your grant goals. We encourage all members to take advantage of this chance to either drive community health improvements or enhance pediatric connections!
Applications will continue to be received and reviewed until funds are allocated.
| |
2026 Healthy Families Fitness Festival
Saturday, August 1 | The Grounds Roseville | 700 Event Center Dr, Roseville, CA
The Sierra Community Medical Foundation is hosting a Free day of family fun and wellness! From health screenings to games and prizes, join the 2026 Healthy Families Fitness Festival.
| |
Centennial Celebration Weekend
September 4 - 7 | Oakland, CA
Join the Centennial Celebration Weekend as they celebrate a remarkable milestone—their beloved CHO GME program is turning 100! This September, we’re thrilled to bring together residents, fellows, and alumni for an unforgettable weekend at the CHO Centennial Celebration! Don't miss out on the fun—bookmark this website and click the button below to join the CHO alumni members page for event updates and to connect with fellow CHOmies from all the years! Let’s make this centennial celebration a memorable one!
| |
2026 National Conference & Exhibition
Friday, Oct. 2 - 6 | San Diego Convention Center| 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) invites you to soak up the sun and sharpen your skills at the 2026 National Conference & Exhibition, happening October 2–6 in beautiful San Diego, California.
Registration is now open for members.
| | |
|
42nd Annual Current Advances in Pediatrics
Friday, Oct. 16 - 18 | The Irvine Marriott Hotel | 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
The seminar is intended for Pediatricians, Family Practitioners, and Allied Health Professionals. It will emphasize newer treatments and their practical applications for both the office and hospital practice of pediatrics. This year’s program will focus on topics that include: Dermatology, Endocrinology, General Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Urology & Newborn Medicine.
| | |
47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars
Friday, Nov. 13 - 15 | Caesars Palace, Las Vegas | 3570 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Join AAP California for the 47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars, an engaging educational experience designed for pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals. This year’s program features expert-led updates in Pediatric Nephrology, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Pediatric Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Adolescent Gynecology, and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, with a focus on practical, evidence-based care for both office and hospital settings.
| | Developing Concerns: New CA School Health Laws Starting July 1 | | |
New state laws are set to go into effect July 1 that impact CA schools. Three laws are noteworthy to pediatricians:
Smartphones in schools: When children and teens return to school after summer break, many will be surprised to find that their school (public and charter schools) has a state required policy to limit phone use, aimed at making classrooms “smartphone free”. The school policy is allowed to permit phone use in cases of emergency or when necessary for the student’s education or health.
Youth suicide prevention: Public schools grades 7-12 and public colleges will be requiring student ID cards to include a suicide prevention and crisis assistance hotline number. In addition, ID cards must also print the Trevor Project’s 24/7 suicide prevention number, which focuses on providing support for LGBTQ+ youth.
K-12 school restrooms: Most CA schools (public and charter) must offer and maintain at least one all-gender restroom for students, if they have more than one female and male student restroom.
The success of these measures should encourage pediatricians to advocate for children’s health in schools. Please attend the AAP-CA1 ACT Conference on September 19 to learn more...continue reading...
| | |
Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
| | |
Pediatric Careers in California!
Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.
-
Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
-
Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.
Take the next step in your pediatric career today!
| |
Pediatric Jobs Available!
| | |
Coming July 2026: Pediatrician's Guide to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk
Mothers’ Milk Bank California is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the Pediatrician’s Guide to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk, available in July 2026.
Access the guide now!
To request a copy when available, please email Info@MothersMilk.org.
Recommended by AAP
| |  | |
10 Tips to Prevent Aggressive Behavior in Young Children
There are many times when your child's behavior warms and embraces your heart. But there are other times when it probably drives you a little crazy.
As a toddler or preschooler, your child may lack the self-control to express anger peacefully.
Access the Healthy Children article here.
Recommended by
Healthy Children
| | | |
Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources
Cal-MAP helps primary care providers support youth with mental health needs through consultation, education, and resource navigation.
Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org
Recommended by AAP-CA1, Mental Health Committee
| | | | | | AAP Updates Policy: Clinical Report on Developmental Challenges of Youth Children in Foster Care | |
Of children entering foster care in 2024, 20% were younger than 1 year and 51% were 5 years or younger with the most common reasons for foster care placement being neglect and parental substance use.
Access the article here
Recommended by AAP
| | |
Reach Out & Read is on the Air
An award-winning podcast centered on the belief that children’s books build better brains, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Join Reach Out & Read as Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and children’s librarian, explores early childhood health, literacy, brain development, and the power of reading together.
Recommended by Reach Out & Read
| | | |
Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
| |
Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
| | |
Executive Committee:
President: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez
• Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb
Area Directors:
North Valley: VACANT • Sacramento Valley: Jihey Yuk • Central Valley: VACANT • South Valley: Nadeem Mousa • San Francisco: VACANT • Santa Clara: Swetang Shahm • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett • North Coastal: Ozlem Equils • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Anne Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Nicole Anderson • Dipti Kamath
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
| | | | |
